The Business and Information Technology Division of Gaston College offers a wide selection of new programs in the fields of Information Technology, Medical Office Administration, and Office

Administration. Registration for new and returning students for the spring semester, which begins on January 8, 2018, is now open.

Employment in Information Technology (IT) and Computer occupations is expected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations, and the median annual wage for these occupations is substantially higher than the median annual wage for all occupations. Among the Information Technology programs available at Gaston College are:

Data Analytics and Database Management readies students for employment with organizations that use database management system software to process, manage, analyze, synthesize, and communicate information.

Digital Media, students will learn to synthesize multimedia, graphics, hypertext, programming, and information architecture using both internet and non-network-based media. Graduates from this track will be prepared for entry-level jobs in the digital design, multimedia, and web technologies industry.

Healthcare Informatics teaches students about the field through multidisciplinary coursework including the study of terminology relating to healthcare, informatics, information technology, computer network/security, data warehousing, and archiving and retrieval of information.

Information Systems Support is designed to prepare graduates for employment with organizations that use computers to process, manage, and communicate information.

The Medical Office Administration curriculum prepares individuals to qualify for employment in medical and dental offices, hospitals, insurance companies, laboratories, medical supply companies, and other health-care related organizations. Programs in this area include:

Medical Office Administration-General prepares students for entry-level positions in medical and other health-care related offices. Students will learn administrative and support functions and will develop skills applicable in medical environments.

Medical Office Billing and Coding provides the training for individuals to become medical specialists who prepare, submit, and/or process insurance claims for medical and other health-care related offices.

Medical Office Document Specialist students can become medical language specialists who interpret and transcribe dictation by physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to document patient care and facilitate delivery of healthcare services.

The Office Administration programs prepare students for employment in a variety of office positions in business, government, or industries. The following programs are included:

Office Administration-General readies individuals for employment as administrative office personnel who perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks, provide support to managers and employees, and assist in daily office needs.

Office Administration-Finance prepares students for jobs as administrative office personnel responsible for providing financial, administrative, and clerical services in order to ensure effective, efficient, and accurate financial and administrative operations.

Office Administration Software Specialist trains individuals for employment as administrative office personnel in all types of businesses, working as technicians in which a variety of software applications that may include word processing, presentations, databases, spreadsheets, and electronic communications.

Office Administration Legal Office prepares individuals for entry-level positions in legal or government-related offices and provides professional development for the currently employed.

Students who graduate from Gaston College Information Technology, Medical Office Administration, and Office Administration programs may be eligible to sit for industry-recognized exams. For more information, please visit www.gaston.edu/business-information-technology.